45 years after its original release, The Who’s Tommy has been re-imagined as a bluegrass tribute featuring Springfield, Missouri’s The Hillbenders at Adelphi University Westermann Stage Concert Hall March 24 at 8 p.m. Conceived and produced by SXSW co-founder Louis Jay Meyers, the Bluegrass Opry brings a new perspective to Tommy while paying respect to its creators.
Meyers had been looking for the right band to pull off the bluegrass approach for several decades and The Hillbenders proved to be the band Meyers was looking for. With the perfect mix of virtuoso musicianship and rock star vocals, The Hillbenders bring the original Tommy to life in a new way with banjo dobro, mandolin, bass and guitar.
The Hillbenders recognize that they have the ability to make common music consumers enjoy the bluegrass genre by selecting material that defies hillbilly stigmas. The Hillbenders try to bring to light bluegrass songs that unify.
“We wanted to pair bluegrass with the other music we grew up with —rock and roll!” said HillBender Nolan Lawrence.
The live performance at Adelphi University is 75 minutes, covering the entire original album. The house will open approximately 30 minutes prior to performance. All seating is reserved. Patrons in the front row will enjoy seating at cabaret tables.
Tickets range from $35 to $40 for adults, $33 to $38 for senior citizens, $30 to $35 for Adelphi staff and alumni, $25 to $30 for non-Adelphi students and $10 for Adelphi students.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 516-877-4000 or visit www.aupac.adelphi.edu.
